Effect of the order of Ni and Ce addition in SBA-15 on the activity in dry reforming of methane

Abstract

Dry reforming of methane has been carried out on SBA-15 catalysts containing 5 wt% Ni and 6 wt% Ce. The effect of the order of Ni and Ce impregnation on the catalytic activity has been studied. Both metals were added using the "two-solvent" method that favors metal dispersion inside the pores. Characterizations by XRD (low and high angles), N2 sorption, SEM and TEM of the materials after metal addition and calcination indicate good preservation of the porosities and high NiO and CeO2 dispersion inside the porous channels. Reduction was carried out before the catalytic tests and followed by TPR measurements. The most active reduced catalyst was the Ni–Ce/SBA-15 sample prepared by impregnating cerium first, then nickel. All catalysts were highly active and selective towards H2 and CO at atmospheric pressure. Full CH4 conversion was obtained below 650 °C. The higher performances compared to those reported in the literature for mesoporous silica with supported Ni and Ce catalysts are discussed.